HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 199405021
APPROVED 6/28/94 MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 2, 1994
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on
Monday, May 2, 1994 at 7:30 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Old Courthouse,
Hillsborough, North Carolina.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr., and
Commissioners Stephen H. Halkiotis, Alice M. Gordon, Verla C. Insko and Don
Willhoit.
COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill
COUNT STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant
County Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser, Economic Development Director
Ted Abernathy, Deputy Clerk to the Board Kathy Baker, Clerk to the Board
Beverly A. Blythe, Data Processing Director Keith Brooks, Planner Emily
Cameron, Register of Deeds Betty June Hayes, Personnel Director Elaine Holmes,
Purchasing Director Pam Jones, Budget Director Sally Kost, Director of Aging
Jerry Passmore, Health Director Dan Reimer, Deputy Director of EMS Jeanette
Smith, County Engineer Paul Thames, EMS Director Nick Waters, and Planner Mary
Willis.
I. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Chair Carey added as item "C" under Items for Decision a request for
additional representation on the Advisory Task Force for the
Intervention/Prevention Program.
The Planning Board and Commission for Women appointments were removed
from the Consent Agenda and placed under Item XI-Appointments.
II. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
A. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA
Chair Carey indicated that those citizens who have expressed a
desire to speak on an item on the printed agenda will be recognized at the
appropriate time.
B. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA
Jean O'Bryant lives on Bacon Road off Highway 57 which is used as
the pit entrance to the Orange County Speedway. She stated that this road is
littered with trash thrown from automobiles entering and leaving the speedway.
She believes that the speedway needs to be responsible for keeping the roadway
clean and asked that the Commissioners contact the speedway.
Charlie Evans lives directly across from the speedway. He said
that trash is picked up at the speedway after each race. However, they do not
pick up the trash thrown on the road and in the yards. He asked that speedway
officials be required to clean up the road after each race.
LeeAnn Tucker lives directly behind the speedway. She agreed that
littering is a problem. However, her concern is that cars have repeatedly
blocked her driveway. She has an older person in the house who frequently
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must be transported to the hospital. Mr. Mason Day, the owner of the
speedway, has been contacted and has not cooperated in solving the problem.
Chair Carey indicated that County staff would look into this matter.
Both the littering and public safety concerns need to be addressed.
Commissioner Halkiotis asked that staff report on how the issue of
security and traffic control is being handled at the speedway.
County Manager Link stated that the Department of Transportation and
the Highway Patrol will be contacted regarding the parking situation. The
County Ordinance will be reviewed in light of the littering issue. A report
will be presented at an upcoming Board meeting.
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Carey dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
III. BOARD COMMENTS
Commissioner Willhoit said that he received a copy of a letter and a
flyer with information about University Station. Mr. Cogswell noted that in
his opinion the information in the flyer misrepresented the outcome of
negotiations with elected officials in regard to the proposed University
Station development.
Commissioner Willhoit reported that the Landfill Owners Group will
discuss at their meeting scheduled for May 5 at 5:30 the concern expressed by
Dr. Sluder at the last meeting. Joyce Engineering did make a mistake in not
notifying Dr. Sluder and several of the other landowners about their process.
He will keep the County Commissioners updated on this situation.
Commissioner Halkiotis requested that the Manager obtain a copy of the
regulations regarding the placement of candidate's signs from each of the
municipalities. He suggested that a meeting be held prior to the next election
to inform all candidates about regulations regarding the placement of their
signs.
IV. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE
V. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
A. OLDER AMERICANS MONTH AND SENIOR CENTER WEER PROCLAMATIONS
Chair Carey read the proclamations and presented them to Alice
McAdoo, Chair of the Aging Board.
A motion was made by Chair Carey, seconded by Commissioner Insko
to approve the proclamation proclaiming May, 1994 as Older Americans Month as
stated below:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, According to the latest population figures, there are more than
13,000 persons over 60 years of age in Orange County; and,
WHEREAS, The President of the United States has declared May as Older
Americans Month with the theme "Long Life and Good Health"; and,
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WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
Orange County is proud of the older adults who live here and wishes
to show appreciation for what they have contributed to their
County, State and Nation; and,
All Orange County citizens enjoy the fruits of older persons and
their labors and are inspired to continue to make Orange County a
good place in which to live; and,
Orange County also wishes to set aside a special month for
recognition of the older segment of its citizenry;
NOW, THEREFORE, We, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, join the
Governor of North Carolina and the President of the United States in
PROCLAIMING May, 1994,
OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
AND, further, do encourage all citizens to join us in honoring
our older Americans.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by
Commissioner Halkiotis to proclaim the week of May 8 through 14, 1994 as
Senior Center Week as stated below:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Local communities support over 10,000 Senior Centers in the
United States; and,
WHEREAS, Orange County has recognized the importance of Senior Centers
and has provided leadership in the development and operations of
such facilities in the County; and,
WHEREAS, Senior Centers affirm the dignity, self-worth and independence
of older persons by facilitating their decisions and knowledge,
and enabling their continued contribution to the community; and,
WHEREAS, Encouraged and supported'by the Older Americans Act, Senior
Centers function as service delivery focal points, help older
persons to help themselves and each other, and offer
opportunities to become physically active, mentally challenged,
emotionally supported and socially involved; and,
WHEREAS, The month of May has historically been proclaimed Older
Americans Month, and communities across the country are giving
special recognition to older persons and the role of Senior
Centers in serving them;
NOW, THEREFORE,. We, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
PROCLAIM the Week of May 8 through 14, 1994, SENIOR
CENTER WEEK AND, further, do call upon the people of our
community to honor older Americans and the Senior
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Centers that bring together activities and services to
their benefit.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
B. NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEER
Todd Dickinson read the proclamation. A motion was made by
Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to proclaim May 8 -
14, 1994 as National Historic Preservation Week as stated below:
PROCLAMATION
OF
THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK
WHEREAS, historic preservation enriches the lives of all people by
providing a greater understanding of American heritage, and
WHEREAS, historic preservation is relevant for communities across the
nation, from rural to urban areas, neighborhoods to business
districts, and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to preserving its historic cultural
resources for its citizens and future generations, and
WHEREAS, "It's your memory. It's our history. It's worth saving." is
the theme for National Historic Preservation Week 1994,
cosponsored by the Orange County Historic Preservation
Commission and the National Trust for Historic Preservation;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby
proclaim May 8 - 14, 1994, as National Historic Preservation Week in
celebration of the cultural heritage of Orange County and hereby urges all
citizens to support historic preservation efforts.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
C. WEED CONTROL RESOLUTION FOR LAKE ORANGE HYDRILLA
Paul Thames made reference to and summarized the report in the
agenda.
A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis to approve the resolution as stated below:
AQUATIC WEED CONTROL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners desires technical and
financial assistance from the N.C. Aquatic Weed Program for
treatment and control of eighty acres of HYDRILLA infestation at
Lake Orange, a reservoir useful for raw drinking water supply,
recreation, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Board requests that the N C Aquatic Weed Program conduct the
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Lake Orange aquatic weed control project;
The Board assumes full obligation for payment of fifty percent
(50$) of non-federal costs associated with Lake Orange aquatic
weed project;
The Board will assist the NC Department of Environment, Health
and Natural Resources and/or the US Army Corps of Engineers in
quantifying its aquatic weed problems and determining the public
benefits of the project;
The Board will hold the State harmless from any damages that may
result from the project with the exception that the State will
not be held harmless from damages resulting from any negligence,
incompetency or malfeasance on the part of its employees, agents
or contractors;
The Board will be responsible for notifying all landowners whose
property is adjacent to the body of water in which the control
project is located and for sponsoring any public information
meetings that may be needed; and
The Board will, to the extent of its power and authority,
enforce any temporary restrictions on the use of the body of
water as required by the specific method of treatment used.
ADOPTED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS this 2nd day
of May, 1994
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
D. RESOLOTIONS OF APPRECIATION FOR FORMER PLANNING BOARD AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEMBERS
Chair Carey presented resolutions of appreciation to former
Planning Board members Betty Eidenier and Carol Cantrell whose terms have
expired. Resolutions will be sent to Jean Hamilton who also served on the
Planning Board and to Trawick Ward who served on the Historic preservation
Commission.
VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS NONE.
VII. PIIBLIC HEARINGS
A. PROPOSED NCDOT 1994-95 SECONDARY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Chair Carey recognized Mr. Watkins, Division Engineer and Mr.
Gorman Gilbert, Orange County's representative on the Board of
Transportation. Mr. Watkins reported that DOT is moving ahead with the
program established in 1993. The priorities for 1994 will not be changed.
Right-of-way issues on several of the roads have arisen, however, those
issues are being addressed with the hope that resolutions will be reached.
The 1994 allocation is anticipated to be $1,264,372. However, there may be
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an increase in available funds. He read the list as included in the
agenda. He said that they also anticipate funds being available after July
1 to place a signal at the Hwy 70 and Mt. Herman Church Road intersection.
He commented on the potential impact of sanitation truck traffic on Saddle
Club Road if a solid waste convenience center is located on that road. He
indicated that the road would not withstand constant usage by heavy trucks.
If a county facility were located on this road, DOT would attempt to
provide an access that would carry legal loads. DOT is responsible for
assuring that the road is able to withstand the traffic impacts. He
indicated that it would be possible to resurface the road to withstand
heavy trucks.
Commission Gordon mentioned that DOT has been very cooperative in
trying to address some of the identified needs in the County.
Jean O'Byrant, a resident of Bacon Road asked the other landowners
from Bacon Road to stand. Eight people stood in support of her request to
have DOT pave Bacon Road. A petition signed by 28 people has been sent to
DOT and they have talked with Mr. Dyer and Mr. Gilbert. Two buses travel
this road daily. A traffic counter was installed last week. This road
connects to a Person County road which is paved and is very heavily
traveled.
Anita James, a Green Riley Road resident, asked that this road be
given a higher priority for paving as it supports 23 houses in a space of
1.2 miles. She also mentioned that an additional 10 houses and two
businesses are located off the dead end portion of this road and two buses
use this road daily.
Mr. Watkins explained how the DOT point system works in rating
potential roads for paving. The DOT Board decides when the roads are to be
rerated.
A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner
Insko, to approve the proposed North Carolina Department of Transportation
1994-1995 Secondary Road Improvement Program as presented.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner
Insko to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below. The
Planning Board Appointments and Commission For Women appointments were
removed from the Consent Agenda. They were placed under XI Appointments.
A. CONTRACT BETWEEN THE NC DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, DIVISION
OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND THE ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the contract
which provides Smart Start funding for the Dental Screening Project, the
Home Visiting assessment and feasibility study, the development assessment,
supplies and computer for the School Health Nurse, which were approved by
the Board of Commissioners at previous meetings. This approval is subject
to review by staff and the County Attorney.
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B. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #11
The Board adopted the proposed budget ordinance amendments and
proposed grant project ordinance amendments for the Smart Start Program as
stated below:
GENERAL FUND
Source - Intergovernmental $ 12,568
Appropriation - Human Services 12,568
(To receive additional State Family Planning,
Maternal and Child funds)
Source - Intergovernmental $ 1,900
Appropriation - Human Services 1,900
(To accept additional State Environmental
Health funds)
Source - Intergovernmental 17,616
Appropriation - Human Services 17,616
(To accept additional State Family
Planning funds)
Source - Intergovernmental - Smart Start - DSS 77,119
Source - Intergovernmental - Smart Start - Health 43,777
Source - Intergovernmental - Smart Start - Library 10,721
Appropriation - Human Services - SS - DSS 77,119
Appropriation - Human Services - SS - Health 43,777
Appropriation - Human Services - SS - Library 10,721
(Grant Project Ordinance for the Smart Start program
as awarded to the Orange County Departments of Social
Services, Health and Library by the State of North
Carolina and the Orange County Partnership for
Young Children)
Source-Intergovernmental - Immunization Action Plan 18,086
Appropriation - Human Services - Immunization Plan 18,086
(Grant Project Ordinance as awarded to Orange County
Health Department by the North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources)
C. CLASSIFICATION PLAN AMENDMENT - BUDGET DIRECTOR
The Board approved the amendment to the Classification and Pay
Plan changing the salary grade for the class of Budget Director from salary
grade 73 to salary grade 76.
D. PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE BYLAWS FOR THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
The Board approved the proposed change in the Commission for
Women by-laws as stated below:
Article III - Membership - Section 3 "Distribution of the
fifteen commission membership positions shall be as follows:
five members shall reside in Chapel Hill Township; three members
shall reside in Hillsborough Township; five members shall reside
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in any of the following townships - Bingham, Eno, Little River,
Cheeks, or Cedar Grove. The remaining two members shall reside
in anv township in Orange County.
E. APPOINTMENTS
Planning Board and Commission for Women appointments have been
removed from the Consent Agenda. The following appointments were approved:
HIIMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
Shirley Siegel was reappointed to her second full term which
will end on 03/30/97.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Robert Rich was appointed to his first full term which will
end on June 30, 1997.
AGRICIILTURAL DISTRICTS ADVISORY BOARD
Nancy Goodwin was appointed to fill an unexpired term which
will end on June 30, 1996.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
IX. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA
A. COURT SPACE DEVELOPMENT FUNDING OPTIONS
This item was presented by John Link for the purpose of
providing information about potential funding options available for the New
Courthouse Project. He summarized the information in the agenda. Three
options are currently being reviewed. The first option would be to
renovate the upper floor at an approximate cost of $235,000. These funds
are currently included in the CIP. The second option would be to build an
addition on Churton Street. The cost estimate for this project is
approximately $311,000 of which $235,000 is currently included in the CIP.
An additional $75,000 would be needed. The third option would be for an
addition on Margaret Lane with an estimated cost of 454,205. This would be
funded from the $235,000 in CIP funds and a lease purchase for the
remaining $219,205. He indicated that the greatest flexibility of use
would be the Churton Street addition.
A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner
Insko, to approve the Churton Street option.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
This approval is contingent upon the County Manager contacting the Court
Personnel to obtain their endorsement of the Churton Street Option.
8. SENIOR HEALTH PROMOTION COORDINATOR FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
John Link presented for the Board's consideration the options
for establishing a Senior Health Promotion Coordinator on behalf of the
Friends of the Chapel Hill Senior Center, Inc. He summarized the various
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options. He indicated that "The Friends" have endorsed the option in
which the County would enter into a mutual cooperation agreement. Under
this agreement the County would be reimbursed by the Friends group for the
recruitment/selection process, salary, fringe benefits, related personnel
and indirect costs for hiring and supervising a Senior Health Promotion
Coordinator.
Commissioner Insko requested that outcome measures for evaluation
and assessment be reviewed so that results are as anticipated. She
requested information on the exact outcomes they expect.
Harry Phillips, President of the Chapel Hill Friends Senior Center,
indicated that they are collaborating with the University in order to
benefit from their expertise in addressing outcome measures. It is
difficult, but not impossible, to measure the effect this initiative would
have on the aging population.
Commissioner Insko indicated that she supports having this be a
mutual cooperation agreement. The outcomes of the programs should be
positive based on the degree to which there is cooperation between the
University, County and The Friends of the Senior Center. At the end of
this three year grant it will be evident if this program is effective. If
it is successful, they will probably ask the County to fund this position.
That request would require appropriate documentation regarding outcome.
Commissioners Halkiotis and Gordon indicated that the Senior Center
is a wonderful gathering spot and one of the best investments made by
Orange County.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis, to enter into and authorize the Chair to sign a mutual
cooperation agreement with the Friends of the Chapel Hill Senior Center,
contingent upon the review of the County Attorney.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
C. APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY TASR FORCE TO SUBMIT GRANT FOR THE
INTERVENTION/PREVENTION PROGRAM
This item was presented by John Link for the purpose of
appointing the present Communities In Schools Board of Directors, and
additional parents and students to serve as the Advisory Task Force to
submit a grant for the intervention/prevention program. They will submit a
joint proposal from the two school systems for a portion of the $12,000,000
which was recently appropriated by the General Assembly for this program.
A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by
Commissioner Gordon, to approve these appointments as presented.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
D. EMS FRANCHISE APPLICATION FOR THE JOHNSTON AMBIILANCE SERVICE
Rod Visser presented for the Board's consideration a franchise
request from Johnson Ambulance Service, Inc. to provide convalescent only
transports within Orange County. This request is in accordance with the
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provisions of the EMS franchise ordinance which was adopted by the Board in
April, 1993. The EMS Advisory Council endorsed this concept. The County
staff also recommends that the Board consider a change in policy regarding
the transport only service which would allow the Johnson Ambulance Service
to undertake all of this type of service. This would decrease the present
workload of the EMS system and would improve availability of ambulances for
emergency calls as well as lower operational costs, extend ambulance life
and diminish the need for additional ambulance staff. Also, the EMS staff
time could be redirected to higher priority functions. The need for
billing and collection for these services would also be eliminated. This
would redirect 10-15 hours per week of staff time in the Revenue Office.
A motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis to approve the franchise for Johnston Ambulance Service, Inc., to
begin operation as soon as practicable, after allowing some time for
notification to users of the convalescent transport service.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
E. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE FOR MAY 23, 1994 QUARTERLY PUBLIC HEARING
Marvin Collins presented for the Board's consideration the legal
notice and items for discussion at the regular quarterly public hearing
scheduled for May 23, 1994. A set of sustainable community principles has
been requested for inclusion in the Board of Commissioner's policy manual
and applicable for all County departments. Examples of sustainable
development practices that have been used by the County in relation to each
principle would be included in the policy manual. The items to be
presented at Public Hearing were summarized. It would be possible for the
Board of Commissioners to create a package using the report on the Rural
Character strategies, the Open Space Land Use Plan Category, and the Zoning
District Standards to craft open space categories and zoning district
standards. The other amendments that are proposed are the Zoning Ordinance
and Text Amendments which relate to enabling legislation passed in the last
session of the General Assembly. These amendments provide for alternatives
to notifying citizens by mail or 1/2 page advertisements in newspapers
regarding public hearings that effect their properties. Certain standards
would have to be used to utilitize the 1/2 page newspaper approach.
Technical amendments are also being suggested to subdivision regulations
dealing with private road justification criteria, definition of minor
subdivision as well as public roads within approved minor subdivisions
being accepted by the Board of Commissioners. These items could be sent
to the Planning Board for a recommendation in June or July with a
recommendation being returned to the Commissioners at an August meeting.
Commissioner Gordon suggested adding to the notice that the meeting
will start at 7:30 and end at 10:30. Items not heard will be rescheduled.
Chair Carey indicated that he was concerned about presenting items
to the public for comment which he could not support. He directed the
Boards attention to the options that are included in the approval
procedures. He stated that he would not support using the Special Use
Permit Process for the Economic Development District at this point. He
asked that all options which are not being considered by the Commissioners
be removed from the agenda.
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Commissioner Gordon suggested putting all the approval options on a
future Board of Commissioners agenda for discussion. After further
discussion, it was decided that the options that the Commissioners actually
wish to be considered will be forwarded to the August 22 quarterly public
hearing. She also asked that the subdivision regulation text amendments be
postponed. Collins indicated that several minor subdivisions have been
required to go through the major subdivision approval process because each
involved public roads. The amendments listed in Section 7 of the hearing
notice would resolve this problem by allowing the Board of Commissioners to
resolve this issue through an administrative decision.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner
Insko, to approve the public hearing notice with the deletion of Item 3.a.1
pertaining to Comprehensive Plan/Zoning Ordinance/Subdivision Regulations
Text Amendments approval procedures for Special Use Permit and and 3.a.3
pertaining to subdivision approval as described on page five of the agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
F. PIIRCHASE OF OPTICAL IMAGING SYSTEM
Pam Jones presented information on the optical imaging software
and hardware that will be used for creating a permanent record, indexing
and a microfilm system.
A motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner
Gordon, to approve the purchase of the system proposed by Courthouse
Systems, Inc. of West End, N.C. at a cost of $77,000.00.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
The other bids received are as follows:
Document Technologies $ 100,603
Cavin's 141,470
Sabre Systems 243,728
IBM 237,439
Perceptics 265,015
Unisys 268,633
Cott Index (Lease) 5,108 month
61,296 year
G. NOTICE OF PIIBLIC HEARING ON WASTE TREATMENT OVERSIGHT PROGRAM
John Link presented for Board discussion a draft public hearing
notice on the Waste Treatment Oversight Program.
Commissioner Willhoit suggested that the proposed frequency of
inspections by the Orange County Health Department be the same as that
required by the State. If the results of the inspections at the State
mandated frequency show a high degree of non-compliance, then a more
frequent inspection schedule can be considered. A letter to the Board of
Commissioners from Commissioners Willhoit and Halkiotis, dated May 2, 1994,
is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. The letter
suggested some modifications to the April 19 proposal and suggested changes
to the public hearing notice.
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Commissioner Halkiotis said that he is not satisfied with the
$100.00 charge to inspect a septic system for a single family dwelling.
Chair Carey indicated that he was in agreement with the direction of
the report mentioned above. With regard to the cost, it is a question of
whether the system owner pays the cost of the inspection or whether the
costs should be paid by all taxpayers.
John Link stated that the staff is reviewing the presentation made
earlier on cost per inspection. It requires three hours to complete this
type of inspection. He will provide a cost analysis to the Board.
Commissioner Insko suggested discussing the items in the May 2 memo
from Commissioners Halkiotis and Willhoit. It was agreed by consensus to
substitute the word "monitoring for the word "oversight". The Board also
decided to take each of the tiers of inspection frequency to public
hearing.
Commissioner Willhoit suggested not entering into an agreement with
DEM because the Health Department already has the authority to monitor
monthly reports that are sent to DEM and conduct inspections based on
report information and field observation. System owners could be contacted
and requested to forward copies of the laboratory results. Enforcement
would be handled by DEM. He indicated that it would place an additional
burden on the County to respond to hazardous waste spills which would be
required by the MUA proposal. The State mandated frequency for monitoring
is an appropriate beginning point which the County could use while the
local monitoring program is being established. He also commented that the
Notice of Public Hearing needs to be restructured so that it has a more
logical flow.
Commissioner Halkiotis requested information on how often sludge is
inspected.
Chair Carey requested clarification on the type of reports that are
submitted for low pressure systems approved by the Health Department. He
was informed that the homeowner's contractor is required to submit a semi-
annual report to the Health Department.
Chair Carey indicated that charging a fee for sampling appears to be
a problem.
John Link indicated that the public hearing needs to offer an
opportunity to discuss exactly how the operation would be staffed relative
to Tier 1. He suggested that the staff review both public hearing notices
and create one final notice to be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners
for their review and approval. The Board agreed.
H. ORANGE COIINTY SENIOR CENTERS DEVELOPMENT PLANNING PROCESS
Jerry Passmore presented information on the development of an
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Orange County Senior Centers Development Plan. He stated that the County
does not have a long range development plan in place at this time. This
committee will develop a plan based on an historical perspective as well as
projected future needs. This proposal will be taken to the centers for
discussion and comments and will open up a discussion about the
effectiveness of current programs as well as possible future directions for
the Centers.
Chair Carey suggested that the Advisory Board on Aging be added to
the review process at two junctures prior to the proposal being returned to
the Board of Commissioners. The Advisory Board will be asked for feedback
on when they believe their review would be most effective.
Commissioner Insko asked that attention be focused on the
demographics of the proposed Board members. It was agreed that the
proposed membership will be reviewed with attention given to include a
sufficient number of northern Orange County residents and returned to the
Board of Commissioners for approval at a future meeting.
The Board of Commissioners stated support for this process. This
item was tabled. The revised membership list for the Advisory Board will
be placed on the next agenda.
I. PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT - WATERSHED PROTECTION
OVERLAY DISTRICTS
NOTE: PUBLIC COMMENTS WERE HEARD AT THE PUBLIC HEARING ON FEB. 28
This amendment to the Zoning Ordinance will allow for a
reduction in the 150' building setback and 300' septic system setback
adjacent to reservoirs and/or streams for lots created prior to January 1,
1994.
Ed Holland, Director of Planning and Development of OWASA, reminded
the Board of OWASA's request that setback requirements for buildings and
septic systems remain at the current standards for University Lake and Cane
Creek Watersheds. They respectfully disagree with the staff analysis. He
indicated that there is a substantive technical basis for maintaining the
present 300' and 150' setbacks in Cane Creek and University Lake. Also,
there is an important symbolic value to maintaining these higher standards.
The Camp, Dresser & McKee University Lake report mentioned a 300' "zone of
influence" around septic systems and streams. It indicated that the impact
zone, or the zone of influence, for failing septic tanks was assumed to be
limited to areas within 300' of the stream. This is based on overland flow
lengths characteristic of Piedmont Watersheds. This was in a section of
the report which analyzed the overall effect of septic systems on the
University Lake Watershed.
Commissioner Willhoit asked if the staff had considered separating
Lake Orange from this amendment request?
Gledhill stated that the only legal basis for distinguishing one
watershed from another is the number of lots in the watersheds.
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Commissioner Willhoit suggested that the basis for distinguishing
them could be that Lake Orange is a secondary water supply and University
Lake and Cane Creek are primary water supplies.
Mary Willis explained that the only areas under consideration are
those lots where the 300 foot and 150 foot set-backs render the lot
unbuildable. The setbacks are not going to be reduced in any broader
sense. This is simply an acknowledgement that in some cases, meeting the
setback requirement causes the landowner to suffer an undue hardship in not
being able to build on their lot. These regulations have applied to
University Lake and Cane Creek for quite some time. However, the problem
of lots being unbuildable because of the setback has not arisen in those
watersheds. This amendment is primarily for Lake Orange.
Commissioner Gordon asked if conditions could be placed on the
variance. For example, could there be mandated inspections of the system
or requirements that pipes for sewer be laid so that when sewer is extended
it will be easy to tap on.
After further discussion, the Board decided to continue this item to
the May 17, 1994 meeting.
J. NORTH CAROLINA STATE/COUNTY CRIMINAL JIISTICE PARTNERSHIP ACT
This item was not heard. It will be placed on the May 17, 1994
agenda.
X. REPORTS - NONE
XI. APPOINTMENTS
ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
This item was postponed.
XII. MINiTTES - NONE
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION - NONE
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
With no further items for consideration, Chair Carey adjourned the
meeting. The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on May 17,
1994 at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA community meeting room in Carrboro, North
Carolina.
Moses Carey, Jr., Chair
Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk